The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1887-07-01

was fully enjoyed. Fair walters, UNI
der the direction of Miss Marble. served
the people at the booths. Later in the
day the crowd surrounded the platform,
and the formal exercises were duly
proceeded with. There was u prayer,
large allowance of patriotic vocal
and instrumental music, and then
Colonel Bradish stepped forth to read
the Declaration. The old man was in
his glory. He had habited himself in
full Continental costume, and some
who were familiar with Trumbulrs
great picture of the Declaration said
that he looked surprisingly like John
Hancock. He read with emphasis and
spirit, and received a prolonged ova-
ton upon retiring.
Then came more music, and the
president Of the day was happy to an
nounce that Mr.. Cornelius Darlington
would deliver the address. ..
There was a pause, which soon be-
came awkward. The orator was not
on the platform. Hurried inquiry
among those seated there failed to find
any one who had seen him during the
afternoon.
The Colonel was becoming decidedly
'fidgety," when hum and stir in the
crowd announced something unusual.
Yes, something very unusual was oc-
curing. The people made way to al
low Mr.. Darlington and his escort to
approach the platform. His escort
was tall man who walked with a cane.
and who had Mr.. Darlington by the
collar. looking as though he would like
a knot-hole to crawl through.
Il found this fellow" said the es-
cort, "trying to sneak out of the back
door, with this pockct-book. which
suppose he took from your bureau"
The speaker handed it to tho Colonel.
The scoundrelr' roared the latter.
There's three hundred dollars in it. "
II learned in the village. the volun'
teer policeman went on, ''that fellow
had been about here some weeks rep.
resenting himself as . staff-officer Of
General Rosecrans in Tennessee.
knew this chap as soon rs l put my
eyes on him. He was the biggest sneak
in my regiment. always under punish
ment. never in battle. and deserted the
night before Chickamauga What
shall be done with him. sir?"
"Kick him QUIT" said the Colonel.
The directions were literally obeyed by
many veteran feet. Mr.. Darlington
alias Tabb. was seen no more in those
parts.
The recognition Of the stranger had
been fast coming; it came all at once
from many different quarters. Hi:
mother and Ida were embracing him
and crying for joy together; thu
Colonel seized his hands; the veterans
some of whom had known him a
home before the war. crowded up t.
see him; there was an instant's pause
and then cheers, music, tears ant
laughter all together.
His was q long. strange story-to'
long to be told then. Left for dead a
Chickamauga; his identity lost TO
years of slow creeping back to life; hi
mind then in darkness, and other year
passed at the hospital. till reason
mereifully returned, and be was abb
to seek those to whom he had bee,
long dead. This was his story, il
brief.
1t was a joyous reunion. We cal
not describe it. We can only lie
Colonel Bradish make his last bow t
the reader.
THANK you heartily, friends ant
, neighbors, for helping us with on
celebration. Go right on. now. just tn
same as if nothing had happened. LIE
, the eagle scream; celebrate, to you
hearts content Only excuse my fam
lily and myself till night. Our heart
: are full; God has been very kind to u
this Independence Day; we want to b
, alone awhile. now. with the Major
} But don't any Of you fail to como bac'
|, | tonight and see the fireworks.
Il JAMES FRANKLIN Fits